51From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of state, in a letter of the 22d. instant proposes to me, that as the General Greene will sail about the 10th. of next month with some articles for the Emperor of Marocco, and provisions for our vessels in the Mediterranean, and the period for another annual remittance to Algiers is approaching, we should send another 30,000. D. as an experimental measure for avoiding the...
52From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of July 24. from New York was recieved on the 31st. this will probably find you at Washington. I immediately wrote to the Secretary of state’s office for a commission for Selman vice Goforth in Symmes’s case, and shall be ready to sign those for Massac, Marblehead & Pensylvania, as also for a successor to Foster, when presented. I suppose, all circumstances considered, that Wheelan’s...
53From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
We have recieved information that the emperor of Marocco having asked, & been refused, passports for two vessels loaded with wheat to go to Tripoli, while blockaded by us, has ordered away our Consul. this demand of his is so palpably against reason & the usage of nations, as to bespeak a settled design of war against us, or a general determination to make common cause with any of the Barbary...
54From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to mr Gallatin and returns him the papers relative to the lighthouse at Faulkner’s island with his [approbation] of Joseph Griffin as keeper of it. the extraordinary voluminousness & late arrival of his last night’s mail puts it out of his power to answer mr Gallatin’s other letter of the 9th. and that of the 7th. till the next post. PrC ( DLC );...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly considered the regulations concerning the Missisipi trade inclosed in your letter of the 7th. and should have signed them, but that a single fact, perhaps unknown to you, renders them impracticable without some alteration. neither Spain nor France allows any foreign nation to keep a consul in their colonies in time of peace. in consequence of this our Consul at N. Orleans has had...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In your letter of the 9th. inst. you propose the following arrangement, Wilson vice Tyng Newbury port } which I imagine should be thus { Cross vice Tyng Newbury port. Cross vice Gerry Marblehead Wilson vice Gerry Marblehead Gibault vice Tuck. Gloucester Gibault vice Tuck. Gloucester. I suppose this because it is consonant with Lee’s letter inclosed by you , with Genl. Dearborne’s letter , and...
57From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 16th. & 17th. were recieved the last night. the contents of the latter shall now be distinctly noted. Commrs. of bankruptcy at Poughkeepsie. I have proposed a general arrangement to the Secretary of state which may save the necessity of appointments over the whole face of every state, 99. out of 100. of which would be never called on to act, and would yet give opportunities...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your three letters of Aug. 19. 19. & 20. are recieved. I now return you the Missisipi regulations signed. I should think the modification you propose of inserting ‘Vice-consul or other authorised agent ’ a necessary one. it appears proper to remove Head of Waldoborough, as his failure after such warning to render his accounts is a sure symptom that he is using the public money: and I shall be...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 27 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 24th. came to hand last night. the rapidity with which the post moves between Washington & New York will render our communications probably quicker while you are there than if you had retired into the country. Mine of the 23d. gave you the Christian name of Doctr. Shore, to wit John . a further conversation with the Governor leaves no doubt of the propriety of the appointment....
60From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 27th. was recieved yesterday. mine of the 20th. had informed you that I approved of mr Wentworth on the recommendations of Messrs. Langdon & Whipple, & that of the 24th. gave you the name of John Shore as successor to Heath; but I write by this post to mr Madison to order his commission to be filled up & forwarded. I must take time to enquire of a good successor for Reynolds. the...
61From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 8 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved from Delaware another application on the subject of the piers &c to be erected in their river. it is on behalf of Wilmington which prays to have it’s claim for these things taken into consideration with others, and for this purpose that the corporation be authorised to have a report made of their harbour, creek &c. the style of the corporation is ‘the Burgesses & assistants of...
62From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On learning the death of Wm. Reynolds Collector of York, and that mr Griffin his deputy would not act at all, I made immediate enquiries for a proper successor, and learn that William Carey of the same place is the best person we can appoint. I this day desire mr Madison to order a commission. I have done this because of the urgency of the case, of your distance, & my presence on the spot. I...
63From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 9th. came to hand yesterday only so that it has missed a post somewhere. I thought that in my letter of Aug. 20. answering your’s of Aug. 17. that I had answered every point distinctly; but I find on recurring to it that the recommendations of messrs. Langdon & Whipple for Hopley Yeaton to be master and Benjamin Gunnison 1st. mate of the revenue cutter in Newhampshire, tho’...
64From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last I informed you I should have an opportunity of getting mr Madison’s opinion on the expediency of the sailing of the John Adams. I have done so, communicating to him your’s & mr Smith’s letters on the subject. the latter having informed us that two months pay were already advanced to the men, & her stores provided, the consideration of a defective appropriation was already got over,...
65From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 27 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 21st. came to hand yesterday. the matter of it shall be the subject of conversation when we meet at Washington; to which place I had intended to set out this day, so as to have arrived there on the last day of the month. but unexpected delays in getting my carriage ready will detain me here till the last day of the month, if not the 1st. of the ensuing. I shall be with you of a...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 6 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is entirely approved . I recollect one other pardon ; to Brown, who was in jail in Boston for a seditious writing under the sedition law. he had long since suffered the term of imprisonment sentenced, and had remained many months over from inability to pay his fine, petitioning mr Adams repeatedly for a discharge, on the ground that he had nothing, & must suffer perpetual...
67From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, [on or after 7 October 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ the plan of the hospital has but moderate merit, yet having no other I suppose we must use it, and, using it, pay for it. I presume therefore we may at once adopt it and call for estimates or undertakers. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers); undated, but see Gallatin to TJ, immediately above; written on verso of an address sheet; addressed by TJ: “The Secretary of the Treasury” in place of “The...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The application of the bank of Baltimore is of great importance. the consideration is very weighty that it is held by citizens while the stock of the US. bank is held in so great a proportion by foreigners . were the bank of the US. to swallow up the others & monopolize the whole banking business of the US., which the demands we furnish them with tend strongly to favor, we might, on a...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
E. Randolph has offered to mr Short to give him personal security, such as he will be satisfied with, for the whole sum & interest due to mr Short. mr Short will not accept it, viewing the public as his debtor, but is willing to endeavor to obtain the security, on condition it shall not prejudice his right against the public, considering it as so much saved to the public which may otherwise be...
70From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
You know my doubts or rather convictions about the unconstitutionality of the act for building piers in the Delaware, and the fears that it will lead to a bottomless expence, & to the greatest abuses. there is however one intention of which the act is susceptible & which will bring it within the constitution; and we ought always to presume that the real intention which is alone consistent with...
71From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to peruse & return the inclosed? what Dupont says of N. Orleans will require a verbal explanation. he will probably be a very efficient instrument for us in that business, and I should very much wish to render him the personal service he asks as to paiments in Paris, if you find such an arrangement can be made agreeably to what is right & useful for us. it would lessen...
72Memorandum to Albert Gallatin, 28 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Candidates for the office of Surveyor of Smithfield Doctr. Purdie. his father I know. he is a good man. but they are tories. Wilson Davies . he was collector of the direct tax, which is sufficient evidence he is a tory. he is recommended too by John Parker appd by our predecessors, ergo a tory. Dr. Southall . his father was an excellent man & whig. his brother is said to be a very bad man. of...
73II. Referral of the Draft to Albert Gallatin, 19 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th:J. sends to mr Gallatin the draught of his message to Congress which he prays him to revise both as to substance & form, and to favor him with his amendments or strictures freely adhibited, & with as little delay as he can, because it is proposed to be submitted to each gentleman singly in the first instance, and then to a meeting, which will involve time. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers);...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The short answer to the Collectors is that Sea letters are never given out but in time of war. then they are given in consequence of the stipulations in treaties to ascertain our flag to the other party when belligerent. no Sea letter was ever issued by this government till the commencement of the war between France & Great Britain.—I should except from these observations the case of vessels...
75From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 12 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Benjamin Cheney was approved by the Senate both as Surveyor & Inspector James L. Shannonhouse was approved by them also both as Surveyor & Inspector. therefore their commissions as Inspectors might have issued & may now. Thomas Worthington was nominated to the Senate at the last session as Supervisor of the Northwestern district, & so approved by them. on recurring to mr Gallatin’s note of...
76From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 14 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Duval’s nomination waits only for a Senate. it may be sent in tomorrow & confirmed the next day. I inclose you a copy of a letter from our agent at the Havanna stating reasons to believe a great number of slaves are smuggling and about to be smuggled into Georgia and S. Carolina. would it not be well to inclose a copy of it to the Collectors of those states, and to direct their revenue...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 21 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
If there be any doubt about the position of the Marine hospital at Boston, we are hardly competent here to decide it. I should have supposed it might be decided by Genl. Lincoln as a military man as well as a citizen. would Doctr. Eustis think it better to join the Govr. or any other person or persons with the Genl. to fix on the best position? I suggest this for your consideration. With...
78From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recollect but slightly the within case: in general that the party appeared guilty: but I presume there can be no objection to the permitting his decision to be expedited, and our suggesting that to mr Hollingsworth. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers); addressed: “The Secretary of the Treasury”; endorsed. Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure not found, but see Gallatin to TJ, 3 Jan. 1803 , for...
79From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 25 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The giving Sea letters to vessels is very troublesome, and extremely burthensome to the Post office: at the same time it is totally destitute of utility and contrary to usage. can the merchants shew us a sea letter given by the English government now when they, like us, are at peace with all the world? there is no reason for departing from universal practice, and therefore they may be informed...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Heads of Departments (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks a consultation with the heads of departments tomorrow at 11. aclock, on the subject of N. Orleans & the Floridas. should we meet later, we may be prevented by the visits usual on the day. will mr Smith be so good as to send the inclosed over the way to mr Lincoln? RC ( MHi : Levi Lincoln Papers); undated or date clipped; endorsed by Levi Lincoln as 31 Dec. 1802; with...
81From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 13 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I happened to be extraordinarily pressed by business which prevented my answering on the subject of Worthington’s resignation. but I observed to him yesterday that as he had a right to resign, his act of resignation was final, and did not need an acceptance to validate it. if he apprehends any question, he might be furnished with an acceptance of the same date with his resignation. Spencer...
82From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
If we can do any thing ourselves in the case of the from the Missisipi, let us do it. but if any thing has to be done by Congress I think the merchants had better be left to get it brought forward in their own way, and leave us free to modify. it is a question of some nicety whether in the seasons when exportations are strong, we might moor a in the river opposite or near N. Orleans, and keep...
83From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you Crowninshield’s and Gibaut’s letters recommending Stevens & Storer . Storer was also recommended by mr Lincoln. Illsley by Genl. Dearborne. the circumstance of exhibiting our recommendations, even to our friends, requires great consideration. recommendations, when honestly written should detail the bad as well as good qualities of the person recommended. that gentlemen may do...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 20 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 14th. is recieved and I have written to mr Madison to issue a commission to Edward Turner of Kentuckey to be Register of the land office at Natchez. a commission has issued to Trist vice Carmichael. Thompson and Watson may await my return. I now inclose the power for transferring the 2500. D. to the disposal of the Secretary at war. I do not find in my library any thing which can...
85From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 28 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 21st. came to hand on the 25th. I now return the letters of Thornton & Muhlenberg with entire approbation of your answers. I am in all cases for liberal conduct towards other nations, believing that the practice of the same friendly feelings & generous dispositions which attach individuals in private life will attach societies on the large scale, which are composed of individuals....
86From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears that on the 31st. Mar. 1800. a paiment of cents & half cents was made into the treasury, which raised the whole amount paid in to more than 50,000. D. and that the Treasurer ought then forthwith to have announced it in the gazettes. consequently it ought, now that the omission is first percieved, to be forthwith announced. nevertheless, as the continuance of the mint is uncertain,...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 21 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of Congress 1789. c. 9. assumes on the General government the maintenance & repair of all lighthouses, beacons, buoys & public piers then existing, and provides for the building a new lighthouse . this was done under the authority given by the constitution ‘to regulate commerce,’ was contested at the time as not within the meaning of these terms, & yielded to only on the urgent...
88From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 5 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th Jefferson asks the favor of a consultation with the heads of Departments on Saturday at 11 OClock— RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers); partially dated; addressed: “The Secretary of the Treasury.” Not recorded in SJL . consultation : see Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 7 May . According to TJ’s notes, cabinet meetings were held on 10 other Saturdays between 16 July 1803 and 25 Feb. 1809. He may have...
89From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 7 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof is mr Mansfield , to be appointed Surveyor vice Putnam. he is come to get whatever information you think necessary to have communicated to him for the proper discharge of his duties. he is informed that when the other duties of his office will admit, he is to make a survey of the Missisipi, & to fix certain geographical points such as the South end of Lake Michigan, the West...
90From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 15 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Those who are compelled by law to come to a public office have a right to be treated there with temper, attention & complaisance. interest teaches this to the private shopkeeper; reason & duty should do it to the public officer; and a continued course of harsh & rude conduct to those who come on business, will be good cause of removal. in the construction of a law, he should understand that...
91From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter to Thornton is civil both in matter & manner, and entirely proper. I dare say Irvine will do very well as Surveyor at Buffalo. he seems so far to have conducted himself well as Indian agent. I do not know Oliver Phelps’s particular character, except that he has all the sagacity of a Connecticut man, and is attached to the little band . but I do not see that his recommendation need...
92From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Coxe may be informed with truth that the information he says he has recieved is entirely without foundation, no such resolution as he alludes to having ever been formed, and mr Madison & Capt Lewis too guarded to have ever spoken of it, had it been formed. but in truth a pretended rumor of removal is the common ground for application for an office. With respect to Hays the Marshal of West...
93From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The arrangement you propose as to supervisors is approved. to wit Vermont. the marshal to do the duties New York. the Naval officer . Rhode isld. either Nichols the Navl. officer of Newport, or Slocum the Surveyor. Newport has complained with reason that all general offices have been given to Providence, & none to Newport. New Jersey. not to the loan officer . the Marshal or any other officer...
94From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is but a fortnight before we shall separate, and there will be but a month between our return & the meeting of Congress, & that crowded by the business which will accumulate during our absence. it is well therefore to make up our minds on such subjects as we can before we separate. Louisiana is an important one. it is our duty in the first place to obtain the information supporting it which...
95From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 9 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is proposed to appoint Rodney & Williams Commrs. for the Natchez district, & Kirby for that of Tombigby. a 2d for that is wanting. Rob. C. Nicholas (son of George) is recommended. he is not a lawyer; nor has any lawyer offered, but one who is concerned in one of the companies. mr Garrard of Kentucky, who wished to be a judge of Indiana has occurred to me. but I do not know that he would...
96From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 12 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The strengthening the revenue cutters by the addition of another mate & 2. hands is approved. while our cutters must be large enough to go safely to sea, and should be well manned for their size, we should avoid making them larger than safety will require; because many small vessels will watch the coast better than a few large ones. resistance will not be attempted probably. Genl. Muhlenberg’s...
97From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 25 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
We agreed that the address of the Ward committees ought not to be formally answered. but on further reflection I think it would be better to write a private letter to one of the members, in order that he may understand the true grounds on which the subject rests, & may state them informally to his colleagues. I think these grounds so solid that they cannot fail to remove this cause of division...
98From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is suggested to me (indirectly from the person himself) that Jerome Bonaparte is at Baltimore under the name of Monsr. Dalbarton, with a son of Rewbell, and that they mean to ask a passage to France in one of our frigates. if this be the fact, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of it, & relieved from all trouble in deciding on it. this...
99From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 8th. inst. yesterday I recieved your two favors of the 11th. there ought to be no further hesitation with E. Livingston. the importation of negroes from the French islands ought to be vigorously withstood: but I think we should not tread back our steps as to the reduction of the size of our revenue cutters on bare supposition that they will be resisted. when such a...
100From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of Aug. 13. and 15. were recieved yesterday. the appointment of a successor to Samuel Bishop must await our re-assembling at Washington. I inclose you the late letters of Livingston & Monroe, for consideration, & to be returned to me when perused. you will find that the French government, dissatisfied perhaps with their late bargain with us, will be glad of a pretext to declare...